Publications by authors named "N Laktasic-Zerjavic"
Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of a Tai Chi exercise program (TCEP) on pain, spinal flexibility, muscle strength, stability and balance, functional status, and quality of life (QoL) among home-dwelling patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or inflammatory arthritis (iA).
Patients And Methods: Between October 2018 and April 2019, a total of 28 participants (4 males, 24 females; median age: 62 years; range, 34 to 79 years) who completed the training program participating in at least 18 sessions were included. The TCEP consisted of 50 sessions for 60 min twice a week.
Background: Calcific shoulder tendinitis (CST) is characterized by hydroxyapatite crystals deposition in the rotator cuff tendons. Therapeutic exercises have been the mainstay of CST treatment, and evidence for therapeutic ultrasound (T-US) utilization and efficacy is lacking.
Aim: This study aimed to determine whether 4500 J T-US combined with therapeutic exercises is superior to therapeutic exercises alone regarding calcification size reduction and symptom improvement in chronic symptomatic CST.
Background: Inflammatory back pain and stiffness are the leading symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). AS progression leads to substantial functional impairment and can reduce quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of disease activity on QoL, fatigue, functional status and physical activity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The main benefits of cryotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are in reducing inflammation and swelling and in relieving joint pain. This study aimed to compare the short-term effects of cold air therapy vs. ice massage, on pain and handgrip strength (HGS) in patients with RA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - Early diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis) with disease-modifying medications have improved disease management, particularly through the use of biologics.
- - A study of 79 patients undergoing anti-TNF therapy found that 21.5% experienced infections, with a significantly higher rate in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to other types of spondyloarthropathies, as well as a higher incidence in females.
- - Overall, 17 patients developed a total of 21 infections, and serious infections accounted for a notable proportion, highlighting the need for careful monitoring in patients receiving this treatment.